Early Periods of American Literature PDF

**Early Periods of American Literature** **Pre-colonial: Native American Literature (18th -19th Century)** **Name Origin:** Refers to literature produced by indigenous peoples before European colonization **Characteristics:** - Oral tradition: stories, songs, and poetry passed down generations...

**Early Periods of American Literature** **Pre-colonial: Native American Literature (18th -19th Century)** **Name Origin:** Refers to literature produced by indigenous peoples before European colonization **Characteristics:** - Oral tradition: stories, songs, and poetry passed down generations - Strong connection to nature and the spiritual world - Emphasis on community and tribal identity - Use of symbolism and metaphor derived from natural phenomena - Incorporation of myths and legends to explain natural events - Presence of trickster figures in many stories - Rhythmic and poetic language, often tied to music and dance - Focus on harmony between humans and nature **Popular Works:** - Creation myths (e.g., \"The Earth on Turtle\'s Back\") - Trickster tales (e.g., stories of Coyote or Raven) **Notable Authors:** While mostly anonymous, some later recorded by: - Black Elk (Oglala Lakota) - Zitkala-Ša (Yankton Dakota) **Interesting Fact:** Many Native American stories were not written down until the 19^th^ century, preserving centuries-old oral traditions. **Puritan Literature (1620 -- 1750)** **Name Origin:** Reflects the religious beliefs of the Puritan settlers **Characteristics:** - Strong focus on religious themes and moral instruction - Plain style with direct, unadorned language - Emphasis on personal spiritual experiences and conversion narratives - Use of typology, interpreting events as signs from God - Exploration of predestination and divine providence - Journals and diaries as popular forms of self-examination - Sermons as a significant literary form - Allegory used to convey spiritual messages **Popular Works:** - \"Of Plymouth Plantation\" by William Bradford - \"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God\" by Jonathan Edwards **Notable Authors:** - Anne Bradstreet - Cotton Mather **Interesting Fact:** - Puritan literature often included \"captivity narratives,\" accounts of colonists captured by Native Americans, which were popular and influential. **Colonial Literature (1607 -- 1775)** **Name Origin:** Covers the period of early European settlement and colonization **Characteristics:** - Detailed accounts of exploration and settlement - Blend of fact and fiction in travel narratives - Political writings focusing on governance and rights - Religious texts, including sermons and theological treatises - Early emergence of American identity in writings - Pragmatic approach to literature, often serving practical purposes - Rise of newspapers and almanacs as popular forms - Increasing secularization of literature over time **Popular Works:** - \"A Description of New England\" by John Smith - \"The Bay Psalm Book\" (first book printed in British North America) **Notable Authors:** - Benjamin Franklin - Phillis Wheatley **Interesting Fact:** - Benjamin Franklin\'s \"Poor Richard\'s Almanack\" was one of the most popular and influential works of the colonial period, blending practical advice with humor and wit. **The Revolutionary Age (1775 --1783)** **Name Origin:** Coincides with the American Revolution and fight for independence **Characteristics:** - Persuasive political writings and pamphlets - Patriotic poetry and songs celebrating American ideals - Focus on concepts of liberty, democracy, and national identity - Use of satire and allegory to critique British rule - Emergence of a distinct American voice in literature - Emphasis on reason and logic in argumentative texts - Blend of Enlightenment philosophy with revolutionary ideals - Development of a uniquely American form of oratory **Popular Works:** - \"Common Sense\" by Thomas Paine - \"The Declaration of Independence\" by Thomas Jefferson **Notable Authors:** - Thomas Jefferson - Alexander Hamilton **Interesting Fact:** - The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, played a crucial role in ratifying the U.S. Constitution and remain important in constitutional interpretation. **The Early National Period (1775 -- 1830)** **Name Origin:** Marks the early years of the United States as a nation **Characteristics:** - Emergence of distinctly American themes and styles - Rise of the American novel and short story - Exploration of national identity and frontier life - Romanticization of Native American culture - Gothic elements in American settings - Use of American vernacular in literature - Examination of moral and social issues unique to America - Beginnings of transcendentalist thought **Popular Works:** - \"The Last of the Mohicans\" by James Fenimore Cooper - \"Rip Van Winkle\" by Washington Irving **Notable Authors:** - Washington Irving - William Cullen Bryant **Interesting Fact:** - Washington Irving\'s \"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow\" and \"Rip Van Winkle\" were among the first American short stories to gain international acclaim. **In Summary...** These early periods of American literature laid the foundation for a rich and diverse literary tradition. From the oral storytelling of Native Americans to the political fervor of the Revolutionary Age, each period reflected the evolving American experience. The transition from colonial dependence to national identity is clearly traced through these literary movements, showcasing the power of literature to shape and reflect a nation\'s history and culture. As America grew and changed, so did its literature, setting the stage for the great American writers of the 19th and 20th centuries.